Chapter 106: A Gentleman Is Always a Gentleman

This vase only needed to be dated, so the process was relatively simple.

“Director Wang, after our preliminary examination, the three of us believe that this vase is a work from the ancient Roman period—in other words, it was made around the first century AD.” The white-haired appraiser was visibly overcome with excitement; even his voice trembled.

“What did you say? You’re certain you haven’t made a mistake?” Wang Xiaoxian remained seated this time, but his right hand pressed hard against his heart. “It was really made in the first century AD!”

Upon hearing the conclusion, Lu Yahong was completely stunned. “Could this really be another Portland Vase? How is that possible? It’s simply unbelievable!”

“The result should be accurate. Dating an artifact is comparatively less difficult. Later, we can carry out more specialized dating tests. With the aid of modern technology, such tests can be completed quite quickly, and we should soon have a definitive conclusion.” Of the three works examined so far, the white-haired appraiser was most certain about the vase.

Both Wang Xiaoxian and Lu Yahong turned their eyes toward Xiao Yao. Only then did Xiao Yao say, “This gemstone cameo glass vase was indeed made during the ancient Roman period, in the first century AD. It belongs to the same period and the same type of art as the world-famous Portland Vase.”

“It really is a Portland Vase! I’m so excited—this is incredible!” Wang Xiaoxian had always been an openly emotional man. Overcome with excitement, he gave each of the three appraisers an enthusiastic embrace.

The three appraisers were equally exhilarated and returned his embrace in kind.

For an appraiser, personally identifying a priceless artifact of such importance in the history of world antiquities was an unparalleled honor.

Once everyone had calmed down, Lu Yahong said with deep feeling, “I’m completely convinced. Mr. Xiao is truly Mr. Xiao—anything he produces is a world-class masterpiece. And now there’s actually a second Portland Vase. Who could have imagined it?”

“There’s only one piece left to examine. I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble the three of you a little longer. Please finish examining the last one as quickly as possible. I’ll treat everyone to lunch—we’ll celebrate the official beginning of our first collaboration.” Xiao Yao glanced at his watch. It was already eleven o’clock, and he began urging them on.

“The original bronze sculpture of the Discobolus is said to have been lost long ago. Could this actually be Myron’s original?” After the results of the previous three examinations, Wang Xiaoxian no longer dared to voice his doubts casually.

“This bronze sculpture will be easy to authenticate. We only need to establish its age, and the three appraisers should reach a conclusion very soon. Just wait a little longer.” Xiao Yao did not want to interfere with their work, so he refrained from revealing the answer.

Although the final conclusion had not yet been reached, both Wang Xiaoxian and Lu Yahong were inclined to believe that this might indeed be the original.

Their belief was based entirely on their trust in Xiao Yao. After one successive shock after another, they felt certain that Xiao Yao would never bring out a replica.

Both men were desperate to learn the final result. Unable to remain seated, they rose from their chairs and walked over to the sculpture, examining it with painstaking care.

The bronze statue stood approximately 1.7 meters tall. It was remarkably well preserved, with very little visible corrosion.

The Discobolus was Myron’s world-renowned masterpiece. In this sculpture, Myron captured an athlete in a fleeting moment of action, vividly conveying the discus thrower’s posture, as well as the beauty and power of his musculature.

The figure’s movement was fierce and taut, yet his expression remained calm and composed. Through this seemingly contradictory treatment, the sculptor achieved a subtle unity and harmony, expressing the athlete’s supreme self-possession and confident anticipation of victory.

Bent at the waist, the figure swung his arm backward and upward. It was the instant before the discus left his hand—the moment when the movement was at its most concentrated and charged with strength, like an arrow set against the bowstring. The pose conveyed the continuity of motion.

The two men studied the bronze from every angle. To their eyes, it seemed little different from the marble replicas displayed in major museums around the world. Only the faint traces of corrosion appeared distinct, lending the statue an added sense of historical gravity.

For professional appraisers, dating bronze artifacts was not especially complicated. Holding specialized instruments, the three appraisers carried out each examination with meticulous care.

Throughout the process, their expressions remained solemn. Even though the statue might well have been the original, none of them displayed any excitement.

All three remained utterly focused, conducting their tests methodically and without the slightest disorder.

This examination took the least time. In only fifteen minutes, the three appraisers had finished one after another and put away their instruments.

“Well? Is it the original?” Wang Xiaoxian asked impatiently.

“Based on the results of all the tests, the statue was made approximately 2,400 years ago. We also found Myron’s signature on the back of the discus. On that basis, we can conclude that this work is indeed a creation by Myron from the ancient Greek period.” As the white-haired appraiser delivered his conclusion, his breathing was heavy, and everyone could see how excited he was.

“It really is Myron’s original! I feel as though I’m dreaming. This is far too incredible to be real. An authentic work by Leonardo da Vinci, a second Portland Vase, and an original by Myron—all appearing one after another. It seems our Yiyun Auction House is truly going to astonish the world!” Though he had been mentally prepared, Wang Xiaoxian was still unable to suppress his excitement upon hearing the final result.

Xiao Yao said, “It’s almost noon. Let’s complete the transfer procedures first.”

Wang Xiaoxian had brought a lawyer with him, and Xiao Yao had summoned Attorney Jin as well. The four artifacts being transferred were of such immense value that neither side dared to be careless in the slightest.

After receiving the four world-class works of art from Xiao Yao, Wang Xiaoxian no longer mentioned the top-grade jadeite.

Instead, Xiao Yao took the initiative and asked, “When will Yiyun’s Kyoto autumn auction begin? I have quite a few rare antique books, some of which discuss various forms of collectible art from successive dynasties. Many of these books are unique surviving copies, and the information they contain is of great value as reference material for the authentication of cultural artifacts. I’m planning to put these rare books up for auction. Through publicity, we can make their contents known to the public, which would also be a small contribution to the work of authenticating antiquities.”